Types of Senior Care for Veterans

Veterans Senior Care Definitions

There are a variety of senior care options available to Senior Veterans based on their individual needs

In-Home Care

In home care provides help with activities of daily living in the Veteran's or spouses' own home.

Independent Living

Independent living is designed for seniors who require little or no assistance. These independent living communities, also known as retirement homes, do not provide supportive services or help with activities of daily living.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living is a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services, and health-related care designed to respond to the individual needs of those who require help with activities of daily living.

Continuing Care Retirement Community

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer several levels of care, including independent living, Assisted Living, and skilled nursing care.

Nursing Home

These facilities provide 24-hour skilled care for chronic conditions that require medical and nursing care. Patients generally rely on assistance for most or all activities of daily living.

Aid and Attendance can help with the cost associated with Veterans Senior Care.  Find out if you qualify

Some Advice on Caring for Elderly Parents

Even the most independent people may need elderly care as they age. Adult children who suddenly find themselves providing senior care to their parents can benefit from the following advice.

Find a Good Balance

Tending to an aging parent's needs can be time-consuming, leading to stress when other commitments suffer and free time seems to vanish. Rather than trying to do it all, recruit or hire help. Assistance can come in different forms, including food preparation, transportation, housekeeping, and visits. Finding a healthy balance between living one's daily life and spending time with older parents leads to less anxiety and more quality time spent together.

Make Decisions That Respect Their Wishes

Loss of independence is one of the fears that aging parents face. To ease this concern, respect their wishes as much as practically possible. A cooperative approach can lead to more positive interactions, too. Listen to their requests and try not to dismiss them. Instead, consider how to grant their wishes, within reason, to help them maintain their dignity and a measure of control over their personal matters.

Search for Free and Low-Cost Benefits

Many agencies offer senior care benefits that are low-cost or even no-cost. Check with the National Council on Aging to see what is available. Provide a zip code, answer a few questions, and a list of benefits will pop up. Many people are surprised by how many local resources exist to help with elderly care. Programs may offer financial assistance to pay for prescription medicines, access to reduced cost hearing aids, food assistance, phone service discounts, access to assistive technology, income tax credit for the elderly, and transportation services. Additional benefits are available to those who have served in the military.

When it comes to senior care for parents, a few small adjustments to one's approach to care can make a big difference. Check with community agencies and health clinics for additional resources, recommendations, and helpful reading material. Assistance is available, and tapping into it can greatly simplify the process of caring for parents.

Diseases Associated With Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune

Diseases Associated With Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune

VA’s rule establishes a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune

VA to provide disability benefits for related diseases

  

VA regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, N.C. are effective as of today.

“Establishing these presumptions is a demonstration of our commitment to care for those who have served our Nation and have been exposed to harm as a result of that service,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David J. Shulkin. “The Camp Lejeune presumptions will make it easier for those Veterans to receive the care and benefits they earned.”

The presumption of service connection applies to active duty, Reserve and National Guard members who served at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days (cumulative) between Aug.1, 1953 and Dec. 31, 1987, and are diagnosed with any of the following conditions:

• adult leukemia
• aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• bladder cancer
• kidney cancer
• liver cancer
• multiple myeloma
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease

The area included in this presumption is all of Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, including satellite camps and housing areas.

This presumption complements the health care already provided for 15 illnesses or conditions as part of the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. The Camp Lejeune Act requires VA to provide health care to Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune, and to reimburse family members, or pay providers, for medical expenses for those who resided there for not fewer than 30 days between Aug. 1, 1953 and Dec. 31, 1987. For more information, call the Senior Veterans Care Network and speak with a VA Accredited Agent.

Seven Ways to Ensure a Smooth Transition Into VA Assisted Living

At some point, many families in the United States will decide to move a family member into assisted living to receive a higher level of health care support than they would receive at home or through home care. If that loved one is a veteran, then that may involve moving them into an accredited VA assisted living facility. However, sometimes that loved one may not be thrilled about the impending move. Read on for some tips to ensure an easier transition for the whole family.

1. Plan Ahead

Obtaining a floor plan ahead of time will help immeasurably with visualizing the new space, and therefore deciding which pieces of furniture should go or stay.

2. Offer Help

Not only can family members help with sorting, organizing, and moving items, but they can also help the moving veteran to emotionally let go of unnecessary items.

3. Stay Organized

Put labels on drawers in the new home to make it easy to remember where silverware, socks, and other small items now reside. This can help avoid frustrating situations on their first nights alone.

4. Add Familiar Touches

When assisting with setup, stock the kitchen with favorite snacks that the loved one already has at home. Put in some potted plants or fresh flowers as well as plenty of family photos.

5. Keep In Touch

Often, veterans fear that living separately in a VA assisted living facility means that they'll see and speak to their family members less. Prove them wrong by visiting often, sharing meals together, and inviting them to all family functions.

6. Make It Personal

Help them claim the space as theirs by choosing something personal for their new home, such as a comfortable chair or a unique piece of artwork.

7. Stay Positive

Last but certainly not least, keep spirits high by emphasizing the benefits of the move to a VA assisted living facility. Play up the positives of the new home, such as the social aspect, built in cleaning services, access to new hobbies, and additional safety features. With VA benefits, there can be even more added perks, such as custom meal preparation, medication reminders, and grocery shopping help.

Utilizing these helpful tips can make a transition into assisted living easier and less stressful for the whole family.

The Best Way to Document a Family Member's Stories

With 19.3 million veterans in the United States as of 2014, according to the United States Census Bureau, many families have the honor of knowing someone who has served the United States military. These veterans often have unique, emotional, and compelling personal stories to tell. Sharing stories among family members is one of the best ways to preserve legacies and pass them on to future generations. Additionally, one of the most important pillars of compassionate veterans care is taking the time to listen to and discuss their stories.

Remembering Through Video

Videos are great ways to ensure that a family member's face is more than just a still photo for younger generations. With voice and expression changes, a veteran's story can come to life. Nowadays, even an inexpensive handheld camera from a local electronics store can create a high-quality video of a family member telling his or her stories.

Best Practices for Recording

Below are a few steps to ensure an engaging recording.

- Choose a quiet indoor setting with soft, sound-muffling furniture such as rugs, blankets, and wall coverings.

- If possible, choose a room without harsh fluorescent lighting.

- Recording in the veteran's home is ideal for ensuring that he or she feels comfortable and natural.

- Center the speaker's face and shoulders in the frame.

- Filming from a slight side angle, with the speaker talking to someone just out of sight, is a customary interview filming practice.

- Prop the camera on a sturdy surface to avoid a shaky frame.

Of course, if the family member is living in a veterans care facility, make sure to check with the facility about their rules and how to set up for recording in a safe and non-disruptive manner.

Sharing and listening are essential for preserving mental and emotional health at any age or stage of life. One of the most important things a family can do to maintain proper veterans care is to take the time to document stories that can be passed on to future generations.

State Veterans Nursing Homes

Information on State Veterans Nursing Homes
	Call 929-FOR-VETS or visit Senior Veterans Care Network for more informaton
STATE	VETERANS HOMES	ADDRESS
Alabama
	Bill Nichols State Veterans Home	1784 Elkahatchee Road Alexander City, AL 35010
	William F. Green State Veterans Home	300 Faulkner Drive Bay Minette, AL 36507
	Floyd E. Tut Fann State Veterans Home	2701 Meridian Street Huntsville, AL 35811
	Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home	7054 Veterans Parkway Pell City, AL 35125
Alaska
	State Veterans And Pioneers Home	250 East Fireweed Palmer, AK 99645
Arizona
	The Arizona State Veteran Home	4141 North S. Herra Way Phoenix, AZ 85012
	Arizona State Veteran Home - Tucson	555 East Ajo Way Tucson, AZ 85713
Arkansas
	Little Rock Veterans Home	4701 West 20Th Street Little Rock, AR 72204
	Fayetteville Veterans Home	1125 North College Fayetteville, AR 72703
California
	Veterans Home Of California - Barstow	100 East Veterans Parkway Barstow, CA 92311
	Veterans Home Of California - Chula Vista	700 East Naples Court Chula Vista, CA 91911
	Veterans Home Of California - Yountville	260 California Drive Yountville, CA 94599
	Veterans Home of California - Lancaster	45221 30th Street West Lancaster, CA 93536
	Veterans Home of California - Fresno	2811 West California Avenue Fresno, CA 93706
	Veterans Home of California - Ventura	10900 Telephone Road Ventura, CA 93004
	Veterans Home of California - Redding	3400 Knighton Rd Redding, CA 96002
	Veterans Home of California - West Los Angeles	11500 Nimitz Ave Los Angeles, CA 90049
Colorado
	Colorado State Veterans Home At Fitzimons	1919 Quentin Street Aurora, CO 80045
	Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake	3749 Sherman Ave. Monte Vista, CO 81144
	Bruce McCandless State Veterans Home at Florence	903 Moore Drive Florence, CO 81226
	Colorado State Veterans Home at Rifle	851 East 5th Street Rifle, CO 81650
	Colorado State Veterans Home at Walsenburg	23500 U.S. Highway 160 Walsenburg, CO 81089
Connecticut
	Sgt. John L. Levitow Veteran's Health Center at the Connecticut State Veterans Home	287 West Street Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Delaware
	Wilmington VA Medical Center, Nursing Home Care Unit	1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805
Florida
	Ardie R. Copas State Veterans' Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie	Port St. Lucie
	Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans' Domiciliary Home in Lake City	751 SE Sycamore Terrace, Lake City, FL 32025
	Clifford C. Sims State Veterans' Nursing Home in Panama City	4419 Tram Road Panama City, FL 32404
	Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans' Nursing Home in Port Charlotte	21281 Grayton Terrace Port Charlotte, FL 33954
	Emory L. Bennett State Veterans' Nursing Home in Daytona Beach	1920 Mason Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32117
	Baldomero Lopez State Veterans' Nursing Home in Land O' Lakes	6919 Parkway Blvd Land-O-Lakes, FL 34639
	Alexander "Sandy" Nininger Veterans' Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines	8401 West Cypress Drive Pembroke Pines, FL 33025
	Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans' Nursing Home in St. Augustine	4650 State Road 16 St Augustine, FL 32092
Georgia
	Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home	1101 15Th Street Augusta, GA 30901
	Georgia War Veterans Home	2249 Vinson Highway Milledgeville, GA 31061
Hawaii
	Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home	1180 Waianuenue Avenue Hilo, HI 96720
Idaho
	Boise Veterans Home	320 Collins Road Boise, ID 83702
	Lewiston Veterans Home	821 21St Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501
	Pocatello Veterans Home	1957 Alvin Ricken Drive Pocatello, ID 83201
Illinois
	Anna Veteran's Home	792 N. Main Street Anna, Illinois 62906
	LaSalle Veterans' Home	1015 O'conor Avenue Lasalle, IL 61301
	Manteno Veterans' Home	1 Veterans Drive Manteno, IL 60950
	Quincy Veterans' Home	1707 N. 12Th Street Quincy, IL 62301
Indiana
	Indiana Veterans Home	3851 N. River Rd West Lafayette, IN 47906
Iowa
	Iowa Veterans Home	1301 Summit St Marshalltown, IA 50158
Kansas
	Kansas Veterans' Home	1220 World War Ii Memorial Drive Winfield, KS 67156
	Kansas Soldiers' Home	714 Sheridan Fort Dodge, KS 67801
Kentucky
	Thomson-Hood Veterans Center	100 Veterans Drive Wilmore, KY 40390
	Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center	200 Veterans Drive Hazard, KY 41701
	Radcliff Veterans Center	Radcliff, KY
	Joseph "Eddie" Ballard Western Kentucky Veterans Center	926 Veterans Drive Hanson, KY 42413
Louisiana
	SE Louisiana War Veterans Home	4080 W Airline Hwy Reserve, LA 70084
	Jackson War Veterans Home	4739 Highway 10 Jackson, LA 70748
	NE Louisiana War Veterans Home	6700 Highway 165 N. Monroe, LA 71203
	NW Louisiana War Veterans Home	3130 Arthur Ray Teague Parkway Bossier City, LA 71112
	South West Louisiana War Veterans' Home	1610 Evangeline Road Jennings, LA 70546
Maine
	Maine Veterans' Home	32 Veterans Drive Machias, ME 04654
	Maine Veterans' Home	310 Cony Road Augusta, ME 04330
	Maine Veterans' Home	44 Hogan Road Bangor, ME 04401
	Maine Veterans' Home	163 Van Buren Road Caribou, ME 04736
	Maine Veterans' Home	290 U.S. Route 1 Scarborough, ME 04074
	Maine Veterans' Home	477 High St. South Paris, ME 04281
Maryland
	Charlotte Hall Veterans Home	29449 Charlotte Hall Road Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
Massachusetts
	Massachusetts Soldiers' Home	110 Cherry Street Holyoke, MA 01041
	Massachusetts Soldiers' Home	91 Crest Avenue Chelsea, MA 02150
Michigan
	Grand Rapids Home For Veterans	3000 Monroe Ave. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49505
	D.J. Jacobetti Home For Veterans	425 Fisher St Marquette, MI 49855
Minnesota
	Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis	5101 Minnehaha Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55417
	Minnesota Veterans Home - Hastings	1200 E. 18Th St Hastings, MN 55033
	Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay	45 Banks Boulevard Silver Bay, MN 55614
	Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne	1300 N. Kniss Ave. P.O. Box 539 Luverne, MN 56156
	Minnesota Veterans Home - Fergus Falls	1821 North Park Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Mississippi
	Mississippi Veterans Home	3466 Hwy. 80 East P.O. Box 5949 Pearl, MS 39288
	Armed Forces Retirement Home	1800 Beach Drive Gulfport, MS 39507
	Collins Veterans Home	3261 Hwy 49 Collins, MS 39428
	Jackson Veterans Home	4607 Lindbergh Dr. Jackson, MS 39209
	The Mississippi State Veterans Home	310 Autumn Ridge Dr. Kosciusko, MS 39090
	Oxford Veterans Home	120 Veterans Drive Oxford, MS 38655
Missouri
	Missouri Veterans Home Mexico	#1 Veterans Drive Mexico, MO 65265
	Missouri Veterans Home Cape Girardeau	2400 Veterans Memorial Drive Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
	Missouri Veterans Home St. Louis	10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63136
	Missouri Veterans Home Cameron	1111 Euclid Cameron, MO 64429
	Missouri Veterans Home Warrensburg	1300 Veterans Road Warrensburg, MO 64093
	Missouri Veterans Home Mt. Vernon	1600 S. Hickory Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
	Missouri Veterans Home St. James	620 North Jefferson St. James, MO 65559
Montana
	Montana Veterans Home - Columbia Falls	400 Veterans Drive Columbia Falls, MT 59912
	Eastern Montana Veterans Home	2000 Montana Ave Glendive, MT 59330
Nebraska
	Grand Island Veterans' Home	2300 Capital Ave. Grand Island, NE 68803 (
	Norfolk Veterans' Home	600 E. Benjamin Ave. Norfolk, NE 68701
	Eastern Nebraska Veterans' Home	12505 South 40th Street Bellevue, NE 68123
	Western Nebraska Veterans' Home	1102 W. 42Nd St. Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Nevada
	Nevada Veterans' Nursing Home	100 Veterans Memorial Drive Boulder City, NV 89005
New Hampshire
	New Hampshire Veterans Home	139 Winter Street Tilton, NH 03276
New Jersey
	Veterans Memorial Home Vineland	524 North West Boulevard Vineland, NJ 08360
	Veterans Memorial Home Menlo Park	132 Evergreen Road Edison, NJ 08818
	Veterans Memorial Home Paramus	1 Veterans Drive Paramus, NJ 07652
New Mexico
	New Mexico Veterans Home	992 South Broadway Truth Or Consequences, NM 87901
	Ft. Bayard Veterans Home	41 Fort Bayard Road Santa Clara, NM 88026
New York
	NY State Veterans' Home at Batavia	220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020
	NY State Veterans' Home at Oxford	4207 State Hwy. 220 Oxford, NY 13830
	Long Island State Veterans Home	100 Patriots Road Stonybrook, NY 11790
	NY State Veterans' Home at St. Albans	17850 Linden Blvd Jamaica, NY 11437
	NY State Veterans' Home at Montrose	2090 Albany Post Road Montrose, NY 10548
North Carolina
	NC State Veterans Home Fayetteville	214 Cochran Ave. Fayetteville, NC 28301
	NC State Veterans Home Salisbury	W. G. Hefner Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Ave. Building #10 Salisbury, NC 28145
	NC State Veterans Home Kinston	2150 Hull Road Kinston, NC 28504
	NC State Veterans Home Black Mountain	62 Lake Eden Road Black Mtn., NC 28711
	Asheville VA Medical Center	1100 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805
North Dakota
	North Dakota Veterans Home	1600 Veterans Drive Lisbon, ND 58054
Ohio
	Ohio Veterans Home - Sandusky Home	3416 Columbus Avenue Sandusky, OH 44870
	Southern Ohio Veterans Home - Georgetown Home	2003 Veterans Blvd Georgetown, OH 45121
Oklahoma
	Lawton/Ft. Sill Veterans Center	501 SE Flower Mound Road Lawton, OK 73501
	The Ardmore Veterans Center	1015 S. Commerce Ardmore, OK 73402
	The Claremore Veterans Center	3001 W. Blue Starr Drive Claremore, OK 74018
	The Clinton Veterans Center	1701 South 4th Clinton, OK 73601
	The Norman Veterans Center	1776 East Robinson Street Norman, OK 73070
	The Sulphur Veterans Center	304 E. Fairlane Sulphur, OK 73086
	The Talihina Veterans Center	10014 SE 1138th Ave. Talihina, OK 74571
Oregon
	Oregon Veterans Home	700 Veterans Drive The Dalles, OR 97058
Pennsylvania
	Hollidaysburg Veterans Home	P.O. Box 319 Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
	Pennsylvania Soldiers' And Sailors' Home	560 East Third Street Erie, PA 16507
	Southeastern Veterans Center	1 Veterans Drive Spring City, PA 19475
	Gino J. Merli Veterans Center	401 Penn Avenue Scranton, PA 18503
	Southwestern Veterans Center	7060 Highland Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15206
	Delaware Valley Veterans Home	2701 Southampton Road Philadelphia, PA 19154
Puerto Rico
	Casa Del Veterano Carr	592,Km.5.6 Bo. Amuelas Juan Diaz, Pr 00795
Rhode Island
	Rhode Island Veterans Home	480 Metacom Ave. Bristol, RI 02809
South Carolina
	E. Roy Stone, Jr., Pavilion	2200 Harden Street Columbia, SC 29203
	Richard Michael Campbell Veterans Nursing Home	4605 Belton Highway Anderson, SC 29621
	Veterans Victory House Nursing Home	2461 Sidneys Road Walterboro, SC 29488
South Dakota
	Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans Home	2500 Minnekahta Ave. Hot Springs, SD 57747
Tennessee
	Tennessee State Veterans Home - Humboldt	2865 Main Street Humboldt, TN 38343
	Tennessee State Veterans Home -Murfreesboro	345 Compton Road Murfreesboro, TN 37130
	Tennessee State Veterans Home - Knoxville	1 Veterans Way Knoxville, TN 37931
	Brigadier General Wendell H. Gilbert Tennessee State Veterans' Home	250 Arrowood Drive Clarksville, TX 37042
Texas
	William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home	1424 MLK Jr. Lane Temple, TX 76504
	Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home	200 Veterans Drive Floresville, TX 78114
	Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home	9650 Kenworthy Street El Paso, TX 79924
	Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home	1020 Tascosa Road Amarillo, TX 79124
	Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home	310 E. Yuma Avenue McAllen, TX 78503
	Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home	1809 North Highway 87 Big Spring, TX 79720
	Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home	1300 Seven Oaks Road Bonham, TX 75418
	Watkins-Logan-Garrison Texas State Veterans Home	11466 Honor Lane Tyler, TX 75708
Utah
	William E. Christofferson Salt Lake City Veterans Home	700 Foothill Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84113
	George E Wahlen	1102 N 1200 W Ogden, UT 84113
	Ogden Veterans Home
	Central Utah Veterans Home Payson	1551 North Main Street Payson, UT 84651
	Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins	160 N. 200 E Street Ivins, UT 84738
Vermont
	Vermont Veterans Home	325 North Street Bennington, VT 05201
Virginia
	Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center	1601 Broad Rock Blvd Richmond, VA 23224
	Virginia Veterans Care Center	4550 Shenandoah Ave. Roanoke, VA 24017
	Virginia State Veterans Home	100 Emancipation Drive Hampton, VA 23667
Washington
	Washington Veterans Home	1141 Beach Dr. Retsil, WA 98378
	Washington Soldiers Home And Colony	1301 Orting-Kapowsin Hwy. Orting, WA 98360
	Spokane Veterans' Home	225 E. 5Th Ave. Spokane, WA 99202
	Walla Walla Veterans Home	77 Wainright Dr Walla Walla, WA 99362
Washington, D.C.
	Armed Forces Retirement Home	140 Rock Creek Church Road NW Washington, DC 20011-8400
West Virginia
	West Virginia Veterans Home	512 Water St. Barboursville, WV 25504
	West Virginia State Veterans Home	One Freedoms Way Clarksburg, WV 26301
Wisconsin
	Wisconsin Veterans Home At King	N2665 County Road QQ King, WI 54946
	Wisconsin Veterans Home At Union Grove	21425 G Spring St. Union Grove, WI 53182
	Wisconsin State Veterans Home At Chippewa Falls	2175 E. Park Avenue Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Wyoming
	Veterans' Home Of Wyoming	700 Veterans Lane Buffalo, WY 82834